Magnetic locks



I \\N a/N a 811 R. FELSON MAGNETIC Locks 1 Filed June 29, 1962 Nov. 26, 1963 FIG 2 INVENTOR. RONALD FELSON,

MAGNETIC LOCKS Ronald Felson, 228--40 Mentone Ave Laurelton,

Queens, New York, NY.

Filed June 29, 1962, Ser. No. 206,252 6 Claims. (Cl. 70-276) The present invention relates to novel and improvedmagneticlock constructions and the keys therefor.

Locks of this class, have heretofore relied on gravity action to return the tumblers to locking position, upon the withdrawal of the key. If a burglar could shift the in FIG. '1, but here in'FIG. 2, the key is shown fully' lock a half turn, and such is known to have been done with cylinder locks, should the lock be of the magnetic type, it would automatically open. Further, magnetic locks of the past could not be used for cabinets, chests,

trunks and other movable box structures, because all you need do to have the lockopen' by itself, is to invert the lock by setting the object it is mounted on, upside down.

It is therefore the principal object. of this invention to provide a novel and improved spring-less magnetic lock which'will avoid the aforementioned objectionable incidents, for my new lock operates properly without the aid of gravity and its operates properly regardless of its position. Further, gravity action will never open the lock regardless of how the locks position is shifted. My new lock construction operates properly wholly by magnetic action and hence the line of tumbler movement may even be up to lock, or horizontal, because gravity action is never reliedon.

A further object of this invention is to provide a is shown partly turned from its. initial position at full novel and improved magnetic lock construction having 1 I the stated attributes, which is simple in construction, reasonable in cost and efficient in carrying out the functions for which it is designed.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as this-disclosure proceeds.

This invention is applicable in lock constructions of the type which operate on the principle that when a magnetic insert in the shank of a key is properly positioned, it will reac't'with a magnetized tumbler so that the tumbler will move, whereupon that element of the lock which is adapted to shift a-bolt or the like, is released for movement.

For the practice of this invention, each tumbler is permanently magnetized. The key" has permanently magnetized inserts, one for each tumbler respectively, and so arranged that upon insertion of the key into the lock, the tumblers are repelled into unlocking position. Fixed on the lock casing, are auxiliary permanent magnets, one for each tumbler respectively, and so arranged that each constantly repelsits related tumbler into locking position when the key is withdrawn; At all times, the tumbler is under the repelling action of its related auxiliary magnet. Of importance is that in each such set of threerelated magnets, the strength of the auxiliary magnet is sutficient to maintain the tumbler in locking position regardless of the line of movement of the tumbler, and the strength of the magnetic key insert is sufficient to shift the tumbler into unlocking position against the action of the auxiliary magnet regardless of the line of movement.

of they tumbler.- must also prevail regardless of need move at any time.

For a preferred embodiment of this invention, I show herein its adaptation in a cylinder lock construction. As

These magnet strength relationships the direction the tumbler a further feature, I provide that the key can be withdrawn, only that thereupon, the device is in locked condition. Y

In the accompanying drawing formingpart of this 3,111,834 Patented Nov. 26, 1963 Y l1 2 r specification, similar acters of' ret'erence indicate corresponding parts inallthev views.

.FIG. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal view showing a'cylinder lock embodying the teachings of this invention, and also its key. Thisview is shownin section taken at line 1 -'1 in FIG. 3. The tumblers are'in locking position. t

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the device, as shown lice inserted. and hence the tumblers are in their moved position and the barrel is free to turn in the casing.

FIG. 3 is a section taken-at line 3--3 in FIG. 1'. FIG. 4 is like FIG. '3, except that the lock is shown inverted, yct thetumblers remain in their locking position.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of-the lock, that is, looking onto the left end in FIG. '1. In this FIG. 5, the key insertion. Of course, the barrel has turned with the key. 3

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspectiveview which shows the front end portion of the barrel.

.- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary'section only of the casing,

takenv at line 77 in FIG. 5. Y

1 In the drawing, the numeral 15 indicates generally a locks cylinderor casing in which a barrel 16 is rotatably fitted, and as is well known, said barrel carries asuitable member 17 to shift'the locks bolt not shown, upon rotation of said barrel within the casing. Said barrel and casing are of non-magnetic material and so is the body of the key 18 whichis slidable into and out of the barrel.

There are a series of holes through the wall of the casing 15, one such hole beingshown at 19, which series,

at one position of the barrel 16,;register respectively is, sufficientchamber spaceto allow the tumbler to reside wholly-within the hole in the casing, as do the tumblers 20 and 21 in FIG. 2, in their respective holes 22 and 23. It is evident that Whenthe tumblers extend in to the sockets, as in FIG. 1, they are in looking position, holding the barrel l6 fast in. the casing 15, and that when the tumblers are out of the sockets in the barrel, they unlock the barrel and let it free for turning, as is the condition. shown in FIG. 2. The key 18 has permanently magnetized: inserts in the same spaced relation as the tumblers so that upon full insertionof the key into the barrel 16, one of such inserts is in axial alignment with one of the tumblers respectively. 9

The holes containing the tumblers 20, 21 and 24, are in one row along the casing 15, with the holes 19 and., 25. If desired, ttunblers may be provided in said holes 19 and 25, and such, together with the tumblers 20, 21 and 24, may constitute the entire locking means. Of course, wherever there is a tumbler, there is a companion auxiliary fixed magnet, as for instance the pair 20, 20'. However, in the illustrated embodiment, I have provided a second series of holes in another row along the casing 15, with companion sockets in the barrel 16, such sockets being indicated by the respective numerals 26-30, and

have provided the tumblers 31 and 32 to-be in staggered affords many combinations for the lock, each of which The key ises'hown' entering the barrel.

. inserts is in alignment with tively.

.31 and the magnetic -key insert 31,.

greater than the radius of there is a notch 36" the face plate 34,

'- normal manufacture, the "keyhole" sertion. It is evident that needs its special key respectively. The spaced magnetic inserts positioned transversely through the body of the smooth key shank, are in such relativepositions that when the key 18 is fully inserted into the barrel 1 6, meet said one of the tumblers respec- An important teaching of this invention is that the magnetic components ofl'thislock shall comprise sets of three magnet pieces each, namely atumbler, an auxiliary fixed magnet on the casing and amagnetic insert in. the

key. In each set, the tumbler is under the repelling action of its related auxiliary magnet, and when :the key is fully inserted inthe barrel, the tumbler is under the repelling action of the related key insert; the strength of the auxiliary magnet being suflicient to maintain the tumbler in' locking position regardless of the line and direction of movement of the tumblenandthe strength of themagnetic key insert, being sufficient to shift -.the tumbler into un- 33', but can only admit the pin part" 33" which is much shorter than 33'.

Upon full insertion of the key 18 into-the barrel '16, meaning that the pin part 33" is. atthe'end of the keyway 37, the pin part 33 is at the closedend of thenotch 36 and the distal end of said pin'part33' is inthe .annular channel entrance 36, the key's magneticginserts are in their proper location to "eifecttumbler shiftto unlocked position as in FIG. 2. So mere insertion of the key as mentioned, will release the barrel 16 for turning. Now upon turning the key, the barrel will turn and the 'incidcntmovement of the member '17,'will-operate the bolt locking position against the action of the auxiliary magnet, regardless of the line and direction-of movement of the tumbler. It is evident that the effects of gravity are counteracted in such a setup.

I will now identify such sets of three magnet components each. The'tumbler 20: is related with the auxiliary magnet 20' and the magnetic 'key insert 20". The tumbler 21 is related with the auxiliary magnet 21' and the magnetic keyiinsert 21". The tumbler 24 is related with the auxiliary magnet 24' and the magnetic key insert 24". The tumbler31 is related with' the auxiliary magnet The tumbler '32 is related with an auxiliary magnet not shown, and with the magnetic key insert 32'.

At the finger-piece end, there is a'pin 33 transversely through the shank of thexkey 1'8. This pin extends out of the shank, more at 33".tha n at.33 -to determine the position the key is to be in,- so that when inserted into the barrel 16, the inserts 20"., 31,21'3'32" and 24" shall respectively be in alignment with the tumblers 20, 31. 2'1. 32 and 24'. Upon such insertion of the key 18, all'the tumblers will be shifted clear of the barrel and into the holes in the body of the casing 15, that is, the tumblers will move from their normal locking position shown in FIG. 1 when the key 18 is out, 'to unlocking position shown in FIG. 2, eifected by mere insertion of the key in proper position to register with the tumblers.

The casing" 15 at front end, has the c'o'unterbore 38 :into which the outwardflange 39 at the front end of the barrel 16 rotatably fits, and a bit behind such: counterbore, the casing is provided with an internal annular channel 35,

along which the tip end portion of pin part 33' rides fitted therein, upon turning the key 18, after such key is fully inserted into the barrel. The radial distance from the floor of the channel 35 to the axis of the key, is a bit the barrels front flange 39. So to aflord entrance ofthe distal end of the pin part 33 into said channel; such notch being in The barrel 16'has a short keyway 37- enterable at the front end by the pin part 33", and of a depth, vjust to admit it. For entrance ofthe pin part 33, the barrel has anotch 36 enterable at the front end. The length of said keyway 37 and the depth of said notch 36 are such that when the key is fullyentered into the barrel, the distal end of the pin part 33- will enter'the channel 35 when the key is then turned. Saidnotch 36 and keyway 37 are of course so positioned that they receive the pin 33 when the key is fully'inserted in the barrel. The notch 36' in the casing is so positioned that it registers with the notch 36 when the pin tumblers are in locking position. In

36, 36' and the keyway 37, shall admit the pin :33 when the latter is vertical, in order to conform with ordinary lock practice to have the key in the vertical plane for inthe key can be inserted only in one way, since the keyway 37 will not admit the pin part offered by the notches 1 the pin'part 33' mechanism not shown; The distal end of the pin part33' will be cached in the annular channel 35. It is evident that in this structure as illustrated, the key.cannot be withdrawn except when .the tumblers would be-in locking position asin FIG. .1, "upon the withdrawal of such key, and to withdraw the .key, it must bein-position to have leavethrough vthe'notch 36'.

It is to be noted that the action of gravity will never cause any tumblerto shift" from locking positionto unlocking position. So even if the device is inverted as in FIG.-4, the tumblers will remain in lockingposition, and it is also evident :that the tumblers may-.be arranged for movement along the horizontal, since at no time is gravity action relied on to operate the device in any particular. Hence locks embodying this inventionp may be used on cabinets, chests and the like, because turning the cabinet upside down, will not release the barrel 16. I have indicated the arrangement for the magnetic components, by marking polarities thereof N" and S. Of course, many other dispositions may be made to get diiterent lock com- 1 binations, but always, the magnetic forces acting on a tumbler are repulsions from its associatedauxiliary magnet and from its actuating magnet insert in. the key. Of

and enterable at the .front of such plate.

' said hole in the first importance to note, is that regardless how the lock isinstalled, said auxiliary magnets maintain the tumblers in locking position when the .key is out, whether-tumbler movement is along the horizontal, ,or require to be acted on by an upward force .to stay 'inlocking position or require a force in any direction to stay *in locking position, and said auxiliary magnets always do "their job regardless of any shift "in lock position. These incidents of structure and mode of operation, makethis lock pick-proof.

.This invention is capable of numerous forms and various applications without departing from the essential features herein disclosed. It is therefore intended and desired that the embodiment shown herein shall be deemed merely illustrative and not shall cover all .patentable novelty herein set forth; reference being bad to the following claims rather .than to the specific description herein to indicate the scope of this invention. 1 I claim:

l. In a magnetic lock device, a first member, a second member movably mounted on the first member; said mem bers being of non-magnetic material; the first member having a hole therethrough and the second member having .a socket therein in alignment'with-said hole, a permanently magnetized tumbler longitudinally slidable and fitted in said hole and socket, and positioned part in said hole and part in said socket, an auxiliary permanent magnet positioned fixed in said hole, away from said tumbler .a suflicient-distance to permit the tumbler to be entirely within said hole, in combination with a key of non-mag- .netic material having a permanently -magnetized insert, means on said key and second member whicliscome into alignment upon placing said key so'that its magnetic insert is in alignment with said tumbler, and upon such positioning of the key and member, the key can be manipulated to move the second member .in relation to the first member; said tumbler and auxiliary magnet being soarranged that the tumbler is repelled bysaid auxiliary magnet; said magnetic key insert being so positioned when-saidmeans restrictive and'that the patent when said tumbler is entirely within come into alignment, that the tumbler is repelled by said magnetic insert; the strengthof the auxiliarymagnet being such that regardless of the line and direction of movement of the tumbler to leave the socket, said auxiliary magnet will act on the-tumbler to maintain it enteredasufficient distance to permit thetumbler to be entirely within'said hole; said tumbler and auxiliary magnet being arranged that thc tumbler is repelled by said auxiliary magnet, in combination with a key of non-magnetic mateinto the socket when said socket andhole' are in align-q ment and said means are out of alignment;the strength of said magneticinsert being such that regardlessv of the line and direction of movement oft-the tumbler to leave the I socket, said insert will act on the tumbler to maintain it wholly in said hole when said means come into alignment,

regardless of the actionxon the tumbler by said auxiliary magnet. 2. A magnetic'lock device as defined in claim 1, where- .in' the first member is a casing and the secondmember is a barrelrotatably fitted in said'casing; the mentioned hole being through the wallof saidcasing; said barrel having a bore therein therealong and said bore being accessible for the admission of the key therein.

n 3. A magnetic lock device asdefined in claim 2, wherein thementione'd'means is provided by having an internal annulai"; channel in the casing near'that end thereof'into'.

rial having a permanently magnetized insert; said key wheniplacedin a position so that its-magnetic insert is in alignment withsaid tumbler and acting to repel said tumbler so the tumbler jis'moved entirely within said hole in the first membeigthe second member will, thereby be which the key is inserted inthegb o're of the barrel; there being anotch in the casing, pr.oviding au entrance for movement ina direction along the barrel, into said annular channeland by having a notch in that-end of the aligned when the tumbler. is inlocking' position and the key is withdrawn; said being of a size to be entered be shifted-into unlocked position thus'treeing the barrel for rotation in the casing and then upon turning the. key} In 40.

the distal end of said pin will enter said annular. channel; said pin being, of a size to ride fitted in said channel as it tumbler passage into said socket. I

4, In a'magnetic lock. device, a first member, a second member mov'ablym'ounted' on the first rnember;. said members being of non-magnetic material; the-"first rnem her having a hole therethrough and the-second member having a socket therein in' alignment with. said hole," a.p er-' manent'lymagnetized tumbler. longitudinally slidable and i.

fitted] in said hole and socket, and-'positioned'par t in said hole and part in said socket; an auxiliary permanent mag- "barrel into which.; the key-"is inserted and also by having 3 a pin extending laterally'from the key; said'notches being and fitted in said notchesjwhen the key'is fully inserted Y into the barrel; the direction, of the magnetic insert in'the key being such that uponfull insertion of the key so that 7 said vpin shall beentered in both said notches, said mag- Y 'netic insert shall be in alignment with the tumbler, where-'- upon inserting the keyinto the bore in the barreLso that said pinis entered in both=said notches, saidtumbler will moves along such channel, whereby :thekey once fully inserted into the barrel, can be withdrawn therefrom only when said hole and socket are in alignment to allow the net-positioned fixed in said hole, away from saidtumbler 1 on the tumbler by said auxiliary magnet;

released for movement in relation to the first member; .the

strength of" the auxiliary magnet beingv such that regardless of the line and direction of movement of the tumbler' to leave the socket, said auxiliary magnet will act on the tumbler tov maintain it" entered into the socket when said socket and hole are in alignment. and said key is away from said position; the strengthfofsaid magnetic insert- A beingsuch 'that 'r'egardless'of the line and direction of; movement oftthetumbl er to leave the'socket; said insert will act on'th'e tumbler to maintain it wholly in. said hole when said key isin-said position, regardless of the action 5. A magnetic lock evice as defined. in claim 4,-wherein the first member is a casing and the second member isa barrel rotatably fittcd in said casing; the mentioned hole v being through-the wall of said casing; said barrel having a bore thereintherealong and said bore being accessible for the admissionof the keythereim "'6. In coni'binationwith a magnetic lock type iwhose itumblers are permanently magnetized, a'nd whose-key has permanently magnetized inserts, onefor bler from-locking to unlocking position against the action of the related auxiliary maghet, such-repulsion actions being effective to accomplish their stated functions respectively, regardless of'the line and direction of movement of the tumblers to mo'vefrom locking to unlocking position.

I v References Cited inth e 'filc o'f'this patent UNITED STATES :PATENTS v M71263 I Fuller Feb/11 1916 2,121,301, Ractliffe .June 21, 1938v 2,370,800 Kind et al. Mar. 6, 1945 2,966,789 Hall Jan. 3; 1961 i FOREIGNPATENIS p j 1,036,702 Germany Aug. 14; 1958- device. of the 

1. IN A MAGNETIC LOCK DEVICE, A FIRST MEMBER, A SECOND MEMBER MOVABLY MOUNTED ON THE FIRST MEMBER; SAID MEMBERS BEING OF NON-MAGNETIC MATERIAL; THE FIRST MEMBER HAVING A HOLE THERETHROUGH AND THE SECOND MEMBER HAVING A SOCKET THEREIN IN ALIGNMENT WITH SAID HOLE, A PERMANENTLY MAGNETIZED TUMBLER LONGITUDINALLY SLIDABLE AND FITTED IN SAID HOLE AND SOCKET, AND POSITIONED PART IN SAID HOLE AND PART IN SAID SOCKET, AN AUXILIARY PERMANENT MAGNET POSITIONED FIXED IN SAID HOLE, AWAY FROM SAID TUMBLER A SUFFICIENT DISTANCE TO PERMIT THE TUMBLER TO BE ENTIRELY WITHIN SAID HOLE, IN COMBINATION WITH A KEY OF NON-MAGNETIC MATERIAL HAVING A PERMANENTLY MAGNETIZED INSERT, MEANS ON SAID KEY AND SECOND MEMBER WHICH COME INTO ALIGNMENT UPON PLACING SAID KEY SO THAT ITS MAGNETIC INSERT IS IN ALIGNMENT WITH SAID TUMBLER, AND UPON SUCH POSITIONING OF THE KEY AND WHEN SAID TUMBLER IS ENTIRELY WITHIN SAID HOLE IN THE FIRST MEMBER, THE KEY CAN BE MANIPULATED TO MOVE THE SECOND MEMBER IN RELATION TO THE FIRST MEMBER; SAID TUMBLER AND AUXILIARY MAGNET BEING SO ARRANGED THAT THE TUMBLER IS REPELLED BY SAID AUXILIARY MAGNET; SAID MAGNETIC KEY INSERT BEING SO POSITIONED WHEN SAID MEANS COME INTO ALIGNMENT, THAT THE TUMBLER IS REPELLED BY SAID MAGNETIC INSERT; THE STRENGTH OF THE AUXILIARY MAGNETIC BEING SUCH THAT REGARDLESS OF THE LINE AND DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT OF THE TUMBLER TO LEAVE THE SOCKET, SAID AUXILIARY MAGNET WILL ACT ON THE TUMBLER TO MAINTAIN IT ENTERED INTO THE SOCKET WHEN SAID SOCKET AND HOLE ARE IN ALIGNMENT AND SAID MEANS ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT; THE STRENGTH OF SAID MAGNETIC INSERT BEING SUCH THAT REGARDLESS OF THE LINE AND DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT OF THE TUMBLER TO LEAVE THE SOCKET, SAID INSERT WILL ACT ON THE TUMBLER TO MAINTAIN IT WHOLLY IN SAID HOLE WHEN SAID MEANS COME INTO ALIGNMENT, REGARDLESS OF THE ACTION ON THE TUMBLER BY SAID AUXILIARY MAGNET. 